Incredible* footage has captured a “flying surfboard” in action as it hovers above the surface of sparkling blue water.

The board, which can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h, is powered by an electric motor that helps to keep its rider upright and gliding through the air.

The new design was created to allow amateur* surfers to experience the thrill of harnessing* the power of a wave without the years of practice it requires.

The Lift eFoil is the work of a sports brand based in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico that builds flying toys.

The design, which is based on a hydrofoil*, uses wing-like structures mounted to the board to provide lift and stability*.

But this ease-of-use doesn’t come cheap, with pre-orders of the boards costing US$12,000.

The board and foil are both built primarily from lightweight carbon fiber*, as well as fiber glass and stainless steel, which combined with the engine weigh just 13.5 kg.

The near-silent onboard motor is powered by a lithium* battery pack, which can provide enough energy for one hour’s riding at 24km/h. The board is controlled by two handheld Bluetooth devices, as well as the rider’s body weight. By pressing the lever on the controller, the motor responds instantaneously*, adjusting the speed.